LUTHERVILLE, Md. — New Vintage by Sam, a Baltimore-based accessory and apparel brand has “returned to the ring” with a powerful combination of style and philanthropy.
Fusing vintage, art and modern design, the company has recently launched its second Knock Out Kidney Disease (KOKD) collection of bracelets with “purpose-filled” trinkets to benefit the National Kidney Foundation Serving Maryland and Delaware.
“Kidney disease is a year-round devastating epidemic that impacts 30 million people everyday, including one in nine Marylanders and 2,175 Delawareans on dialysis,” said Pattie Dash, executive
director of the National Kidney Foundation Serving Maryland and Delaware. “We are so appreciative of the KOKD collection for spotlighting kidney health awareness in an artistic way.”
Designed and handcrafted locally, the collection mixes the Foundation’s signature orange color with metal bits, natural agate, quartzite, hematite and crystal detail “to help shine light on kidney health awareness.”
“These bracelets are two gifts in one for just in time for the holidays and the perfect color combination for any Baltimore Orioles fan,” Dash added. “It’s a beautiful keepsake for your loved one and the purchase benefits the patients we serve who are living with kidney disease.”
Each special trinket possesses its own unique design, staying true to the New Vintage by Sam culture of individuality, while each complementary combination of beads and charms has its own meaning and healing properties consistent with the theme of holistic well-being.
“Each bracelet in the KOKD collection is simple, yet so intricate and detailed with various materials, personality accents and healing minerals to encourage peace and love energy while telling a colorful story,” Smith said. “It is a privilege to create this conscious collection of trinkets geared to helping spread awareness about kidney disease.”
The “mompreneur” and fashion artisan from Randallstown, wants “to utilize her creativity to leave a lasting impression on her community and individuals alike.”
Introduced to fashion and design at an early age, Smith taught herself how to draw and create wearable art. In high school, she participated in several local fashion shows and productions as both a designer and model.
While attending Morgan State University, Smith continued to hone her design skills while pursuing a degree in Health Education. Shortly after graduating in 2007, she created New Vintage by Sam.
Smith strives to align her artistry with philanthropy and this particular cause is personal as her father has diabetes, a condition that often leads to kidney disease and her grandmother had kidney failure.With that in mind, 20 percent of the proceeds from each KOKD sale will be donated to the Foundation. The collection is currently available online at http://www.newvintagebysam.com/product/kokd-collection and www.kidneymd.org.